15 Izakaya in Kyoto with Private Rooms and Delicious Food

After your day of sightseeing in Kyoto, sit down with your friends and talk about what you saw over a few drinks. This article will introduce 15 izakaya (Japanese pubs) in Kyoto with private rooms. Enjoy a special night at one of these places!

1. Kakuredokoro Shunsai Sengyo Sanji (Karasuma Oike)

Kakuredokoro Shunsai Sengyo Sanji is a hideaway-like izakaya with private rooms that can seat up to 18 people. The beautiful counter made of a single slab of wood is sure to draw your eye in the spacious interior of this izakaya. The private rooms have sofa-seating so customers can make themselves comfortable while enjoying hot pot cuisine, fresh seafood dishes, and more. There are many hot pot dishes here, but the pride of the izakaya is the [First-rate Sea Bream Shabu-Shabu] (1,980 JPY for 1 person (plus tax)), a superb dish that you can finish off with rice gruel made with the broth. The fresh [Sashimi Assortment] is available from 1,280 JPY (plus tax) for 3 kinds of fish. They also have a wide range of drinks, including beer, shochu, and sake (both types of Japanese alcohol), cocktails, and more. If you’re ordering a course, add a 120-minute all-you-can-drink for an extra 1,500 JPY. Keep an eye out for the large white lantern at the entrance of the izakaya, and you won't get lost!

2. Kyo-honoka Shijo Kawaramachi Branch (Kawaramachi)

Kyo-honoka Shijo Kawaramachi Branch only has private rooms. You can feel at ease and relax in the Japanese atmosphere of the izakaya. The private rooms are available for 2 people or more, so even if you're with a small group, you can enjoy an uninterrupted conversation. Some recommendations include luxurious Japanese creative cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, such as [Seafood 5-Kind Assortment] (1,690 JPY), which they can arrange according to your budget and preferences, or the various banquet courses if you plan to have a few drinks from their extensive ranging menu. For an extra 1,000 JPY, you can add an all-you-can-drink plan with a choice of 300 drinks. They have an extensive a la carte menu, too, so you might have a difficult time deciding what to order!

3. Kinpachi (Katsura)

The interior of Kinpachi is spread over two stories, with the 2nd floor featuring some private rooms. Not unlike a hideaway, it has a calm and relaxing atmosphere. They endeavor to provide the very best at all times, no matter what the market price and the fresh seafood they procure every morning is a cut above the rest. The [Sashimi Assortment] (from 1,680 JPY) is a dish that allows customers to sample the umami (Japanese savory taste) of such fish. The [Seasonal Rice Cooked in an Earthenware Pot] (580 JPY), which comes with an assortment of pickles, is also a superb item. The seasonal ingredients for it change daily, and each order is cooked in its earthenware pot. They have a wide range of beverages as well, with the menu featuring seasonal sake, beer, shochu, wine, and more. The fact that they put so much effort into making families feel welcome, through gestures such as providing toys for children, conveys the extent of their hospitality.

Kinpachi

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)Closed: Sunday*If Monday is a National Holiday, they will open on Sunday instead, and close on Monday*Closed 31 December - 4th JanuaryAverage price: 5,000 JPYAddress: 5-11, Yamada Oyoshimi-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)More Details

4. Shisui (Sanjo)

Located on the 4th floor of a building, Shisui is a hideaway-like izakaya. There are private rooms that can accommodate up to 10 people at the back of the izakaya, as well as a separate venue for private events for 6 to 30 guests, which is equipped for karaoke. Here you can enjoy typical Kyoto fares such as Kyo-yasai (traditional vegetables from Kyoto), yuba (tofu skin), and obanzai (Kyoto's traditional home-cooked dishes) at a reasonable price. There are a variety of beautifully arranged dishes, such as seasonal Kyo-yasai [Tempura] and [Clear Broth with Kyoto Yuba] (580 JPY), with a mild Japanese flavor. They also have a wide-ranging drink menu which includes Kyoto ji-zake (local Japanese alcohol) and wine, as well as an all-you-can-drink course of great value. The healthy obanzai menu is ideal for those who are watching what they eat.

5. Shippori-ya (Nijojo-mae)

The loft on the second floor of Shippori-ya can be used as a private room. Enjoy a heartwarming meal at this izakaya, surrounded by the warmth of the wood interior and the welcoming hospitality of the owner. The owner himself goes to the market to procure the fresh ingredients, chosen with his good eyes. The creative cuisine such as [Celery Marinated in Vinegar] (500 JPY plus tax), which retains the essential qualities of the ingredients, is characteristic of this izakaya. [Dashimaki Tamago] (rolled omelet made with broth) (550 JPY plus tax) is a standard item but is a popular option here. It has an irresistibly soft texture and contains plenty of dashi (broth). The izakaya also has a chef's special course that comes with an all-you-can-drink option with which you can enjoy a wide range of drinks, including beer, wine, and sake.

Shippori-ya

6. Souwa (Kawaramachi)

All seats at Souwa are in private rooms, so customers can have a good time without worrying about disturbing other diners. Open until 1:00 am during the week and 5:00 am on the weekend, you can enjoy your time with friends until the early hours. You will be treated to reasonably priced delicious cuisine and a large selection of drinks here. The luxurious [Dashimaki Tamago] (380 JPY) is made with fresh eggs carefully chosen by the chefs and has a fluffy yet springy texture. Their refreshing [Salt-Grilled Chicken Gizzard] (450 JPY) of fresh gizzard procured directly from the market has the aroma of lemon, and is the perfect accompaniment to a drink. From beer and whiskey to shochu, sake, and cocktails, there are plenty of drinks to choose from. They even have local alcohol from the chef's hometown of Omi. Enjoy a few drinks in the modern Japanese atmosphere of Souwa.

7. Rokkakuya (Kyoto)

Rokkakuya has counter seats where dishes of obanzai are on display, as well as a banquet room that can accommodate up to 24 guests. Enjoy the seasonal obanzai made with ingredients such as Kyo-yasai, namafu (wheat starch), and tofu, surrounded by the warmth of the wooden interior. The [Yuba Sashimi] (680 JPY) made by the skilled chefs is a superb item with a strong flavor of soy beans. [Whole Tomato Salad with Tofu Dressing] (780 JPY) is another item worth trying, where the carefully prepared whole fresh tomato and the dry-cured ham create a fine dish. The izakaya proudly stocks a collection of sake centered around Kyoto ji-zake, and customers can choose whether they want 5-shaku (around 90ml), 7-shaku (around 126ml), or 1-go (around 180ml) of sake. Why not try a little of everything and find one that you like best?

8. Shutei MICHIya (Karasuma Oike)

Shutei MICHIya has private rooms that are available for groups of 6 or more, and a banquet hall that can seat up to 32 guests. You can try various shellfish here, from unusual species from around the country to more familiar varieties. The contents of [Sashimi Assortment] change depending on the season and what is procured on the day, allowing customers to try a number of different kinds of shellfish. The [Fresh Oyster of the Day – 3-Kind Assortment] (2,990 JPY) is an irresistible option for oyster lovers. You might expect oysters to be a winter delicacy, but since Shutei MICHIya procure their stock from all parts of the country, oysters are on the menu here all year round. Shellfish isn't their only strong suit though, as they have an impressive drink menu, which features non-alcoholic cocktails made with Honki Juice, a line of 100% natural fruit juices, along with the classic options including beer, sake, and wine. Try their nutritious and healthy shellfish cuisine.

9. Nakama (Fujinomori)

Nakama has tatami-floor seating on the second floor that can be used as a private room to comfortably accommodate 6 to 20 guests. Enjoy the cuisine skillfully made by the owner along with a few drinks in the homey atmosphere. The [Dashimaki Tamago] (480 JPY) is made with special eggs, and is a recommended dish of Nakama. It is so popular, some people even order 2 per person! The crispy and juicy [Kushi Katsu] (skewered and deep-fried cutlet) uses a tender cut of beef, and is another must-try item. They have a large selection of drinks, which includes beer, sake, ji-zake, shochu, wine, whiskey, shochu cocktails, and more. Enjoy a fun evening in their private room, where you need not to worry about disturbing the people around you.

10. Kaede (Kawaramachi)

Kaede is an izakaya where all seats are private seating. They have a variety of seats including couple seats, table seating, and more, so you can choose the type of seating suited to the occasion. The most popular item on the menu is [Chicken Nanban] (880 JPY (plus tax)), an excellent dish where deep-fried chicken is coated in a mild and sweet homemade sauce. Make sure to check out the [Kyo-yasai and Fresh Fish Carpaccio Salad] (869 JPY (plus tax)) as well. Depending on the season, you might even find sea bream or Japanese amberjack in this dish that combines fresh seafood and local vegetables. They also have a 3,500 JPY course that includes their popular [Chicken Nanban] and 2 hours of unlimited drinks. Their drink menu is wide-ranging, with a focus on Kyoto ji-zake.

11. Kushi Dining Asobi Daigo Branch (Daigo)

There are many private rooms for 4 to 6 people in the spacious interior of Kushi Dining Asobi. They also have a large private room that can seat up to 16 people. Enjoy a variety of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and kushi-age (deep-fried skewered ingredients) along with a few drinks. Order the [Yakitori Assortment] (950 JPY (plus tax)) first, where you get 2 skewers each of negima (chicken thigh and green onion), juicy tsukune (chicken meatballs), chicken gizzard, and heart. The recommended item of the owner, who takes great care in choosing the ingredients, is the various types of [Kishu Ume Chicken Sashimi]. Consisting of fresh seared chicken procured daily to enhance its umami, [Yukhoe] (550 JPY (plus tax)) is also a superb choice. Customers can choose from a large selection of drinks here, including beer, shochu, shochu cocktails, cocktails, Makgeolli (Korean alcohol), and more. Kushi Dining Asobi guarantees a good conversation with a selection of carefully selected yakitori and a wide variety of drinks.

Kushi Dining Asobi Daigo Branch

12. Torisho Fukui Saiin Branch (Saiin)

Torisho Fukui has an interior reminiscent of a Kyoto townhouse and has private rooms that can accommodate 6 to 12 people on the 2nd floor and up to 40 customers on the 3rd floor. The izakaya procures whole Satsuma Chiran chicken, known for its excellent texture and flavor, from which different cuts are prepared every day. The [3-Kind Assortment of Seared Chicken] (1,500 JPY) is a dish only possible because of the extreme freshness of their chicken. It is a superb item, and diners are sure to enjoy the sweetness of the fresh chicken thigh, breast, and tender. The [Grilled Black Thigh] (850 JPY) is a specialty of Kagoshima, and consists of chicken covered in garlic oil and seared as if smoked over charcoal. The range of drinks that have been carefully selected to go with the cuisine includes shochu, wine, and specialty sake from Kyoto, Shiga, and beyond. Savor the unique chicken cuisine of Torisho Fukui.

13. hotal (Karasuma Oike)

In addition to counter seats, there are private rooms with horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu table) and other types of seating at Hotaru. Enjoy the delicious cuisine at this restaurant, born out of the owner’s desire to serve both grilled cuisine and sushi at the same time. The signature item of the izakaya is the fresh fatty fish sourced from Hokuriku region grilled over the hearth. One such example is the [Fatty Chub Mackerel] (750 JPY) from Toyama, which is grilled slowly to bring out its umami as much as possible. The sushi can be ordered one at a time, but the assortment only costs 1,800 JPY and comes with tuna, squid, salmon roe, sea bream, and cockle. Their large drink menu includes carefully selected ji-zake from around the country as well as wine, shochu, and more. Enjoy a drink with the cuisine that brings out the sweetness of the fish, vegetables, and other ingredients.

hotal

14. Igarashi (Gion-shijo)

This is a traditional Japanese restaurant that has been loved by the people of Gion-shijo for many years. There are 2 private tatami-floor rooms for 2 to 6 people and a semi-private room with table seating for 2 to 4 people. Although a famous restaurant, customers here need not worry about pretenses and can enjoy their meal in a welcoming environment. The dinner menu features 3 kinds of [Kyoto Kaiseki Chef's Selection] (traditional Japanese course cuisine) (from 10,000 JPY) and a la carte items that change with the season. The superb [Seasonal Fish Sashimi] consists of seasonal wild fish that has been prepared with delicate workmanship. [Suppon Hot Pot] is also recommended, and is a hot pot of carefully selected, flavorful suppon (soft-shell turtle) from Shimabara, Nagasaki, and can be ordered in single portions. They have a great selection of wine and ji-zake that go well with Japanese cuisine, chosen with care by the owner's sister, who is a sommelier.

15. HyouteiMARU (Shijo)

HyouteiMARU has private rooms for 4 or more customers, and there is a comfortable balance between refinement and casualness inside. Their signature item is [Maru Nabe] (1,000 JPY), recommended for those trying soft shell crab for the first time; it is a small hot pot dish that contains the meat of soft-shell turtle and a soup that is filled with nutrients. The specialty [Assortment of Simmered Items] features essential Kyoto ingredients, such as yuba, namafu, and vegetables, all cooked separately, and arranged together. It is a healthy way of enjoying the umami of the ingredients. They have a lot of drinks as well, including beer, cocktails, wine, shochu, and sake. Enjoy the unique Kyoto cuisine at this luxurious hideaway.

There's nothing quite like enjoying food and drinks in a relaxing atmosphere. You can enjoy just that in Kyoto, where many famous restaurants line the streets. Why not visit one of these places to make your trip even more special?